The superintendent of a western Illinois school district who was acquitted of all charges in dispute over student medical records has been removed from paid administrative leave as of this week.
Tim Farquer will remain employed with Mercer County School District 404 pursuant to his three-year employment contract, according to a press release from the school board.
Deputy Superintendent Stacey Day will remain responsible for the day-to-day administration of the school district, according to the release.
Farquer had been on paid administrative leave since September of last year when he was accused of illegally accessing student medical records.
On July 31, Judge Norma Kauzlarich granted a defense motion to acquit Farquer before his bench trial ended, ruling Mercer County State’s Attorney Grace Waldrup failed to present adequate evidence to prove any crime was committed.
In the release, the school board said it appreciates the “care with which the Court considered the issues and laws presented.”
“The Board understands — and has always understood — that superintendents across Illinois are entrusted with administrative responsibilities that require access to information necessary to protect student welfare, maintain school operations, and respond to public health or safety concerns,” the statement reads.
Farquer was arrested following an Aledo Police Department investigation into how the district handled student medical records during a hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak.
He was charged with official misconduct, computer tampering, and unauthorized access to medical records. Prosecutors later added charges, bringing the total to four felonies and four misdemeanors.
The board said no confidential student record information was shared or disseminated, and the board remains committed to protect student privacy and ensuring access to student records is done in accordance with the law.
“To that end, the Board undertook a separate investigation into the allegations to ensure that Board policies and practices were being followed. The Court’s ruling is consistent with the findings of the Board’s own investigation,” the statement from the board reads.
Farquer was hired to lead the Mercer County School District in 2024 after serving as superintendent of Williamsfield Community Unit School District in Knox County for 11 years.
Deputy Superintendent Day began her position on July 1, after two interim superintendents led the district last school year.
The board said it looks forward to turning its full attention back to the new school year, students, and providing a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment for every child.
The board is expected to take formal action at its next meeting on removing Farquer from paid leave.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department, please consider making a financial contribution.
